Walking the Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Monasterio

This Walking Holiday explores the first section, from Sevilla to Monasterio of the Via de la Plata or Camino Mozárabe, the longest of all Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela! It runs through the whole country from South to North, from the hot Andalucian plains to the green mountains of Galicia, from Moorish influenced buildings to traditional stone farmhouses and much more!

Starting from Sevilla, in the heart of Andalucia, to Monasterio at the gateway of Extremadura, the “Scallop Shells” lead us north towards Santiago. This section requires a reasonable level of fitness. Every day you are guaranteed a high level of comfort, as we carefully choose accommodation with charm and character.

Trip Stats

107km

distance to walk

5

days of walking

difficulty level

Trip Highlights

Sevilla

Located in Sevilla there is a place called Archivo General de Indias. This is a museum that houses documents from the colonial era. These documents show the documentation and maps from the Spanish explorers.

Castilblanco de los Arroyos

In the town of Castilblanco de Los Arroyos. there is a winery called Bodegas Ismael Arroyo. This winery was established in 1979. There are 25 hectors of vineyards and they offer wine tastings!

Monasterio

In Monasterio, there is a park called Monasterio de Piedra. This park has a beatuiful landscape and breathtaking waterfalls. It is recommended to buy tickets for this attraction in advanced however they are very reasonably priced and well worth a visit.

Itinerary

Day 1

Sevilla

(Arrival)

Capital city of Andalucia, Sevilla appeals to visitors with its rich architectural heritage, its atmosphere, its year-round sunny weather and incredible atmosphere. Among the city’s main attractions don’t miss the massive and impressive Gothic UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, the Alcazar and ,of course, the Plaza de Espana.

Day 223km

Sevilla

to

Guillena

Today is not only the first day of this section, but also the starting point of the whole Via de la Plata route. After leaving the heart of the city, we pass through several industrial estates until we reach Santiponce and the ruins of Italica, an ancient Roman city. It is then a peaceful walk through flat landscapes, occupied by sunflowers, cotton fields and olive trees. Once in Guillena, it’s just a short transfer to your hotel in Castilblanco de los Arroyos.

Day 318km

Guillena

to

Castilblanco de los Arroyos

Transfer back to Guillena. The Camino leaves the whitewashed town of Guillena and quickly reaches Venta, a modern town nearby. Then, for the most part, it runs through the Andalusian countryside with orange and olive groves and other farmland. As we enter the National Park of Sierra Norte de Sevilla, the landscape becomes more dry and rocky. The last leg of the day is a steep climb up to the beautiful town of Castilblanco de los Arroyo.

Day 430km

Castilblanco de los Arroyos

to

Almaden de la Plata

We start this day with an uphill walk, passing by Ermita de Santa de Escardiel. A few kilometres further on, we enter Parque Forestal de El Berrocal where oak trees offer shelter from the sun. An undulating path leads us Almaden de la Plata.

Day 516km

Almaden de la Plata

to

El Real de la Jara

The route we follow today gives us a real feel for traditional Andalucia; black pigs, bulls and horses can all be seen from the Way. The Camino does not enter any village until we reach El Real de la Jara. A short transfer will take you to your hotel in Santa Ollala de la Calla.

Day 620km

El Real de la Jara

to

Monesterio

Transfer back to El Real de la Jara. Soon after El Real de la Jara, the Camino leaves Andalucia and enters Extremadura. During the first half of the day the terrain is mostly flat. A gentle ascent will offer good views over the Sierra Morena. The landscape surrounding us is mostly occupied by cows and sheep as there are no villages (and little shade) along this stretch to Monesterio.

Day 7

Monesterio

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

Section 1

Sevilla

to

Guillena

Capital city of Andalucia, Sevilla appeals to visitors with its rich architectural heritage, its atmosphere, its year-round sunny weather and incredible atmosphere. Among the city’s main attractions don’t miss the massive and impressive Gothic UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, the Alcazar and ,of course, the Plaza de Espana.

Section 2

Guillena

to

Castilblanco de los Arroyos

Today is not only the first day of this section, but also the starting point of the whole Via de la Plata route. After leaving the heart of the city, we pass through several industrial estates until we reach Santiponce and the ruins of Italica, an ancient Roman city. It is then a peaceful walk through flat landscapes, occupied by sunflowers, cotton fields and olive trees. Once in Guillena, it’s just a short transfer to your hotel in Castilblanco de los Arroyos.

Section 3

Castilblanco de los Arroyos

to

Almaden de la Plata

Transfer back to Guillena. The Camino leaves the whitewashed town of Guillena and quickly reaches Venta, a modern town nearby. Then, for the most part, it runs through the Andalusian countryside with orange and olive groves and other farmland. As we enter the National Park of Sierra Norte de Sevilla, the landscape becomes more dry and rocky. The last leg of the day is a steep climb up to the beautiful town of Castilblanco de los Arroyo.

Section 4

Almaden de la Plata

to

El Real de la Jara

We start this day with an uphill walk, passing by Ermita de Santa de Escardiel. A few kilometres further on, we enter Parque Forestal de El Berrocal where oak trees offer shelter from the sun. An undulating path leads us Almaden de la Plata.

Section 5

El Real de la Jara

to

Monesterio

The route we follow today gives us a real feel for traditional Andalucia; black pigs, bulls and horses can all be seen from the Way. The Camino does not enter any village until we reach El Real de la Jara. A short transfer will take you to your hotel in Santa Ollala de la Calla.

Package Details

Active

21.5km

7 days

Self-Guided

“From start to finish, Follow the Camino organised our trip with great attention to detail, which left us with more time to enjoy our adventure... they’re the ultimate professionals! ” Read more.Andrea Smith, Journalist – Ireland

“Our charity Camino trip was made special by the great accommodation organised by Follow the Camino. This played a big part in everyone mixing so well and making it a very special Camino experience.” Read more.Ann Tracey, Fundraiser & Co-ordinator at Gary Kelly Cancer Support – Ireland.

"Thanks must go to Follow The Camino for facilitating a most wonderful experience.” Read more.Tim Begbie – Australia

“Follow The Camino did a fantastic job organising our fundraising trip to the Camino de Santiago. The organisation was of excellent quality and all of our 28 travellers had a great time...” Read more.Frances Black, Senator & CEO of The Rise Foundation – Ireland

“All went like clockwork, including the pick up at the airport, and the luggage drop to the various accommodations. Totally recommend the Follow The Camino crew.” Read more.John Dillon, Pilgrim – Ireland.

“A transformative two weeks for both of us - thanks to Follow the Camino.” Read more.Jamie and Flo McIvor – UK

“Our team leader Geraldine O’Callaghan was fantastic – pretty, bubbly, tireless – efficient and very kind. Arriving at the great cathedral of Santiago was an exhilarating, emotional finale to a completely mad week.” Read more.Joan Flynn, retired – Ireland

“Thank you for helping us plan our journey in Spain. What a wonderful time we had trekking through the countryside. The places we stayed were wonderful! We LOVED our trip!” Read more.Georgia Meckes – USA

“Thank you Umberto and the Follow the Camino crew. It was an absolute pleasure to have you make our arrangements, and support us so magnificently along the way, in our efforts to raise awareness for Well Ways. You are all fabulous!" Read more.Cheryl McInnes, Well Ways Mental Health Charity, Australia